History of India Gate – Who built it?

Delhi is an integral part of India dedicated to the martyrs. India Gate is built in the memory of those who dedicated their lives for the country. This monument is located on Rajpath Road in New Delhi, which is known as the heritage of India. India Gate was designed by Edwin Landseer Lutyens and was completed in 1931. Initially this memorial was named ‘All India War Memorial’. This monument is derived from the Arc de Triomphe of Paris. It is constructed from red sandstone and granite. The height of India Gate is 42 meters. Every year on Republic Day (26 January), the President of India and many other main political leaders and other dignitaries can be seen remembering the dedication of those martyrs at the Amar Jawan Jyoti located below the India Gate.

In the First World War and the Third Anglo-Afghan War, approximately 90,000 soldiers of the British Indian Army lost their lives in saving the mighty British Empire. India Gate was built to honor these soldiers. The written names of these soldiers can also be seen on the walls of India Gate. Before independence, only the statue of King George V was installed in front of India Gate, which was removed after independence.

After independence, some modifications have also been made to India Gate. Due to these modifications, India Gate has become an important site for the Indian Army soldiers who lost their lives during the freedom struggle. The Amar Jawan Jyoti (Flame of the Immortal Warriors) was built much later in 1971 to honor the Indian soldiers who lost their lives in the war with Pakistan. Amar Jawan Jyoti is made of black marble and has a gun and a soldier's cap placed on top of it.

Although historical significance is still attached to the monument, India Gate has become a picnic spot for many Delhiites due to its surrounding lawns, fountains and the view of Rashtrapati Bhavan. Visit India Gate on a Saturday or Sunday evening to see many families enjoying the food and weather at India Gate. Many children can be seen there enjoying around the vendors selling ice cream, fruit chaat, soft drinks.